Red Bull and McLaren are lodging appeals over the FIA’s decision to reinstate Alpine’s Pierre Gasly to P3 in the Monaco Grand Prix.
Gasly was initially demoted from third to seventh after the race when he received two five-second time penalties for speeding in the pit lane.
The Frenchman’s position was restored following a right of review requested by Alpine.
Four other drivers, including McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, had already served time penalties for the same offence earlier in the race.
Appealing the decision, McLaren wrote in a statement: “While we fully respect the FIA’s judicial processes and the role of the stewards, we believe this case raises important questions concerning sporting fairness, regulatory consistency and the integrity of competition.
“Throughout the Monaco Grand Prix weekend – and in every event – all teams operated according to the regulations and established standard practices for what concerns the speed limit in the pit lane as they were applied at the time.
“Competitors adjusted their procedures accordingly and, where required, accepted and served penalties imposed under those regulations.
“In our view, the subsequent removal of penalties creates a situation in which some competitors are disadvantaged by having acted in accordance with the rules and the stewards’ decisions.”
Pierre Gasly’s promotion back to P3 saw Isack Hadjar and Oscar Piastri move down a position
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The statement continued: “Such an outcome risks creating sporting inequity and undermining confidence in the consistent application of the FIA Sporting Regulations.
“Our decision to appeal is not directed at any competitor.
“Rather, it reflects our belief that the Championship benefits from regulations that are applied consistently, transparently and fairly to all participants.
“McLaren remains committed to working constructively with the FIA, Formula One and fellow competitors to protect the integrity of the sport and maintain confidence in its regulatory framework.”
McLaren said: ‘Our decision to appeal is not directed at any competitor’
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Piastri said their appeal was not “directed at any competitor” but was made from a desire to see regulations “applied consistently, transparently and fairly to all participants”.
Red Bull’s protests also stem from concerns over the sporting implications, according to Sky Sports.
Mercedes has also launched a right of review case, which is likely to be heard first.
The Silver Arrow’s team principal, Toto Wolff, said the team’s right of review was a “long shot”.
Red Bull’s protests are understood to stem from concerns over the sporting implications
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He told Sky Sports F1: “To be honest, I’m not sure if this is a realistic outcome because you open up a can of worms.
“Normally, if you have a drive-through penalty and you don’t do it, it’s 20 seconds [added after the race] and those 20 seconds would put George back to P4.”
The FIA have not confirmed a date for when McLaren’s appeal will be processed.
